WHY ARTS MATTER

The first day of session III went well today! It was a very smooth transition for all the children. They all jumped right into their groups, ready to begin the day’s activities. In theater, art, music and dance, the children were introduced to the songs and plays and things they will work on for the final showcase. Everyone got right to work. Upon learning about what the kids will be working on, they were getting excited about the prospect and for what’s in store.

As the children were doing their various activities, they were already laughing, telling stories, making friends- it seems like they’ve already been at camp for days! Everyone is friendly and inviting with one another, happy, and talkative. Everyone is content and intrigued to start their art and dance and everything. The expression on the kids’ faces as they were watching the flamenco demonstration was great- they were captivated by it. In one group in art class, once the children saw what they would be making, they were so excited to get to try it, saying “I’m gonna make a…!” and so on. All the kids were chiming in about their ideas.

The awesome thing about the art class and any of the other classes of this program is the freedom of expression and interpretation in the kids’ work. For example, in the art demo today, the kids would first draw feet, and then a head above it. But in between, was room for whatever they wanted to make up and put. This is so cool that with helpful guidance, kids can create whatever they want and what pleases them. This is so true of other aspects of the arts: theater, dance and music. So all in all, it was a successful first day, as everyone is eager to get started collaborating and making art!